Harvey Mudd College (HMC) is known for its rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges the gap between the sciences and humanities. For the 2024 admissions cycle, HMC has rolled out new supplemental essay prompts designed to understand applicants’ unique backgrounds, aspirations, and passions. Let’s break down these prompts and provide some tailored advice to help you craft compelling responses.

Understanding Harvey Mudd College's Supplemental Essay Prompts

Here are the prompts you need to respond to:

• Essay Prompt 1: “HMC’s collaborative community is guided by our mission statement. Through an intentional interdisciplinary curriculum our students seek to build a skillset adaptable to society’s needs. How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have?” (Word Limit: 500 words)

• Essay Prompt 2: “Many students choose Harvey Mudd because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly (in 100 words or less) describe what you'd like to learn about in your dream HSA class. Your class can either be one chosen from existing classes at HMC, or you are welcome to create your own.” (Word Limit: 100 words)

Now, let’s dive into how to approach each prompt with some strategic advice.

Crafting Your Response to Essay Prompt 1

This prompt seeks to understand the interplay between your background and your future aspirations within the context of HMC’s mission. Here’s how to tackle it:

1. Reflect Deeply on Your Background: Spend some time thinking about your personal experiences, family influences, cultural background, and any significant moments that have shaped you. How have these experiences influenced your interest in solving specific problems or engaging in particular fields?

2. Connect to HMC’s Mission: Make a clear connection between your background and HMC’s mission to produce leaders in engineering, science, and mathematics who are not only technically competent but also socially and humanistically aware. Mention how the interdisciplinary curriculum aligns with your desire to holistically solve problems.

3. Specificity is Key: Use detailed examples to illustrate your points. Maybe you have conducted a science project that addressed a community issue or perhaps engaged in a humanities course that shaped your view on societal impacts. Specific experiences make your essay more compelling.

4. Consider Your Future Impact: Discuss how you envision your future work making a difference. Are you passionate about sustainable engineering, medical innovations, or tech advancements that bridge social gaps? Explain how you plan to collaborate with others at HMC to achieve these goals.

This essay requires introspection and a genuine connection to your passions and experiences. Platforms like Sups AI can be incredibly helpful for brainstorming and getting feedback on your essay to ensure it resonates with HMC’s values.

Crafting Your Response to Essay Prompt 2

The second prompt is much shorter but equally important. Here’s how to tackle it in 100 words or less:

1. Identify Your Interests: Think about the areas within the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts that fascinate you. Is it anthropology, sociology, literature, or a unique intersection of these fields?

2. Create or Choose a Class: If you are creating your own class, be imaginative yet realistic. For example, “The Science of Storytelling: Exploring the Intersection of Literature and Neuroscience.” If choosing an existing class, briefly mention why it captivates you.

3. Connect to Your Goals: In the limited word count, convey how this class aligns with your academic and professional aspirations. A succinct, focused response is crucial here.

For concise and impactful articulation, consider using Sups AI for valuable feedback from current students and experienced counselors who can help you refine your ideas.

Final Tips

As you write your supplemental essays, remember to:

• Stay Genuine: Authenticity shines through in essays. Be true to your experiences and aspirations.

• Get Feedback: Utilize platforms like Sups AI to get diverse perspectives and improve your essays.

• Proofread: Ensure your essays are clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors.

Harvey Mudd College values students who are not only academically brilliant but also possess a strong sense of social responsibility. Your essays are a key opportunity to showcase how you fit into HMC’s vibrant community. Good luck!